Ottawa, Ontario -July 15, 2005 - Following an exciting jump-off to determine the winner, local boy Alex Rohling claimed victory in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake on Friday night at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 30 horses took to the grass Grand Prix field with only five mastering the first round test set by Danny Foster to advance to the jump-off. Rohling of Cumberland, ON, was clear coming to the final fence when he stepped on the gas pedal to bring Secret Identity, his 10-year-old Hannoverian mare, home in a time of 50.54 seconds.

“It felt great feeling to win in front of the home crowd,” said Rohling who, at 21, is celebrating his first major victory in grand prix level competition. “I haven’t had the best of luck here over the past couple of years, so this feels especially great.”

With the only other double clear effort, Chris Pratt of Belfountain, ON, finished second in a time of 51.14 seconds riding Susan Grange’s Mustique.

Yann Candele of France had two chances to take the top prize, but rails fell with both challengers to put ‘The Flying Frenchman’ out of contention. The final rider on course aboard Phil Henning’s Mill Creek Marco Taere, Candele had the fastest time with 48.18 seconds, but a fence came down along the way to put him in third place. Riding Ashland Stable’s Tyra, Candele clocked in at 51.39 seconds to take fourth.

Eight-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, was the first rider to tackle the shortened jump-off track with his Athens Olympic partner, Promise Me, but a fallen rail and a time of 53.94 seconds left him in fifth position.

The five-day ‘Kubota’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament, taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, features over 700 horses competing for more than $150,000 in prize money. Featured classes include Saturday’s $35,000 Jumping Derby, and the grand finale, the $65,000 ‘KUBOTA CUP’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix. Candele, 34, is the defending champion of Saturday’s $35,000 Speed Derby as well as Sunday’s $65,000 ‘Kubota Cup’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix.

In addition to world-class show jumping, spectators can also enjoy an extensive trade fair featuring a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, agility dog demonstrations, and the Ottawa Police Canine Unit. Horsepower of a different type is also on display at the Classic Car Show.

The ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament is honoured to once again benefit The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Located in Ottawa’s west-end at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway, the annual Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament is enjoying its 14th year of competition. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.

$20,000 Open Welcome Stake – Final Results

Rider - Hometown - Horse - Faults - Time
1. Alex Rohling - Cumberland, ON - Secret Identity - 0:0 - 50.54
2. Chris Pratt - Belfountain, ON - Mustique - 0:0 - 51.14
3. Yann Candele - France - Mill Creek Marco Taere - 0:4 - 48.18
4. Yann Candele - France - Tyra -0:4 - 51.39
5. Ian Millar - Perth, ON - Promise Me - 0:4 - 53.94